Signal Mountain Presbyterian
The original Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, completed in 1929 has grown to become the largest congregation in it’s community. TWH Architects provided design services for two projects which together added approximately 55,000 square feet of new space and renovated over 25,000 square feet of space. Working within the neighborhood context and integrating the church campus into it's steeply sloping site were the primary challenges for these projects.
The first addition, a major three-story expansion was completed in 2001. The challenging terrain was used to advantage to reduce the scale of the building from the main street and made it possible for every floor to open directly to the outside. Adult classes are on the top floor which connects to the main floor of the original building. Adult classes are on the top floor which connects directly to the main floor of the original building. The “Great Hall”, the centerpiece of this addition is below. It functions as the main informal gathering space for the congregation and has room for seating up to 800 people. The lowest level houses the children’s ministry with classroom spaces for infants through elementary.
The second addition, a 4000 square foot multi-use space and renovated classroom space, was completed in 2007. These spaces house the middle school and high school classes.
Parking and exterior gathering areas were important considerations for both projects. The final products blend architecturally with the original brick sanctuary completed almost 30 years ago and complements the original chapel built in 1929.
